The killing of a Hamas chief in Lebanon removes a big name from Israel’s most-wanted list but could drive the Palestinian group’s exiled leaders deeper into hiding, hampering efforts to negotiate further Gaza ceasefires and hostage releases, Reuters reports.

Ashraf Abouelhoul, managing editor of Egypt’s Al-Ahram daily and an expert in Palestinian affairs, said Arouri’s killing “may push Hamas to harden its stance so it doesn’t look as if it is bowing under pressures or threats of more assassination.”

Hamas negotiators including Arouri had been in Qatar-mediated talks with Israel over a possible further ceasefire in the bombardment and prospects for further release of Israeli hostages.

As recently as the past week the two sides were having discussions with Qatari mediators on a truce and hostages, a source familiar with the talks said, indicating a period when the Arouri strike may have been in final stages of preparation.

Security concerns may now complicate matters, analysts said.

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